Dominic Rubio and Michael Cacnio’s ‘Vendors’ exhibit opens at Galerie Stephanie

MANILA, Philippines - These days, it is difficult to peruse the art world without encountering an artwork by either Dominic Rubio or Michael Cacnio. Indeed, their respective practices are widely considered representative of a new kind of Philippine genre — where Modernism’s traditional preoccupation with rural and street motifs have long been the definition of Philippine visual art. However, unlike their forebears, many of whom have gone on to become National Artists, both Rubio and Cacnio tinge their practices with a thoroughly contemporary approach. This is apparent in both technique (Cacnio in particular benefits from advances in sculptural production) and concept (where Rubio’s juxtaposition of colonial imagery with Modernist tropes is simultaneously nostalgic and original).

Because of their shared conceptual lineage that draws a line straight into the likes of Malang and Vicente Manansala, through Fernando Amorsolo, and as far back as the 19th  century oeuvre of Damian Domingo, it’s rather surprising that these two artists, among some of the hottest around, only had their first two-man show at Galerie Stephanie in Libis on Oct. 1. Together, they tackled a familiar Modernist mileu — that of market vendors — and came together to present a fascinating exhibition that truly showcased the best of their respective approaches.

This collaborative exhibition was enough to set off excitement throughout the art community. Led by collector Atty. Jose Ma. R. Arcinas, art aficionados gathered in Libis to admire new works by the artists and experience a wonderfully curated experience. Appropriately, the exhibition, titled “Vendors,” had a Filipiniana theme that went with the works on display. Outside the exhibition space, guests munched on fishballs from a vendor hired by the gallery while inside the food included farm-picked lanzones. This atmosphere leant authenticity to the exhibition, and gave guests a fantastic way to “experience” being inside the works.

Dominic Rubio and Michael Cacnio were joined by their friends and followers of their art; Ronnie and Luchie Siasoyco, R. Santy Mulles, Dr. John Buenviaje, Michelle Buenviaje, Dra. Abie Mulles, Atty. and Mrs. Arcinas, Mr. and Mrs. Horoika, Robbie Santos of Fatima University, Artists Vincent and Aileen de Pio, and duffie Osental of Art + magazine.

As for the art itself, they truly prove the point made by critics of the past when they consider Dominic Rubio and Michael Cacnio as inheritors of the tipos del pais tradition of the 19th century. Gallery director Abby Frias-Teotico mentioned in her opening remarks how easily the two artists seem to approach the conceptual nous of vendors while concurrently breathing fresh air on an old Modernist standby — and it showed in the works on display. Well-familiar with the themes, the two artists work within their own high standards of technical aptitude in charting new courses in genre.

The exhibition in Libis, the first time these two artists have teamed up, is an exciting platform for the public to survey the finest collaborative works of two seminal artists. The opening may be over, but the exhibition will be on display until mid-October, so a private viewing might be the best way to take it in. To schedule a session, call Galerie Stephanie at 709-1488.